According to **Matt Trapani** of Patch, Cherry Hill plans to discontinue 10 of its Flock Safety license plate reader cameras after police determined they were not delivering enough useful results to justify the cost. The township had approved a one-year agreement in 2024 for 20 cameras at a total cost of $60,000, with the devices installed around Cherry Hill to help police identify vehicles connected to crimes and investigations.
Police said a review of the system showed that about half of the cameras produced limited investigative value. As a result, officials decided to keep the 10 cameras that were proving most effective and remove the others when the current contract ends. The move is intended to focus resources on the locations generating the strongest public safety benefits while avoiding unnecessary spending.
The article explains that Flock cameras capture images of license plates and vehicle details, which can then be searched by law enforcement in criminal investigations. Supporters say the technology can help solve crimes and locate suspect vehicles more quickly, while critics have raised concerns about privacy and surveillance. In Cherry Hill’s case, township officials emphasized that the decision was based on performance and cost-effectiveness rather than a complete rejection of the technology.
The change means Cherry Hill is scaling back its use of the camera network, not ending it entirely. Police will continue using the remaining 10 cameras that they believe are producing meaningful investigative leads. Township leaders said the decision reflects an effort to use taxpayer money wisely while still maintaining tools that can assist law enforcement.
Source: Matt Trapani, Patch.
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https://patch.com/new-jersey/cherryhill/patch-am-why-cherry-hill-pulling-plug-10-flock-cameras-nodx-20261007
